Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Combined Science · key term
A condition that restricts the rate of a process; improving that condition increases the rate until another condition becomes limiting.
Used by AQA and Edexcel
Specification 4.4.1.2 · Paper 1
Revise: Limiting Factors and Greenhouse ConditionsA limiting factor is the condition currently restricting the rate. Improving it increases photosynthesis, but only until another condition becomes limiting. The limiting factor can therefore change as conditions change.
Paper 1, Paper 2
A factor whose availability or level restricts the rate of a process.
Revise: PhotosynthesisIncreasing light intensity increases the rate while light remains the limiting factor. Eventually, adding more light may have no effect because another factor prevents the reaction from proceeding faster.
Higher Tier: compare curves where only one condition differs before identifying the limiting factor. A plateau alone does not identify which other factor is limiting.
Only predict an equivalent change in photosynthetic rate from a change in light intensity when light is the limiting factor.
Create a free account to read GCSE Combined Science revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.